Reel World

Teen Tarantinos

What are the kids doing? It’s a legitimate question, usually raised by adults who have their suspicions about the activities of shiftless youth. But the New Mexico Film Office is asking, because they’ve got a very good answer. On Sunday, April 21, NM Film will host the monthly New Mexico Filmmakers experience at the CCA Cinematheque in Santa Fe (1050 Old Pecos Trail). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a panel of middle and high school age film students will answer the topic “What Are The Kids Doing?” Turns out, in New Mexico, they’re learning about and producing film and video projects. Moderator Glenna Voigt of the Media Arts Collaborative School will conduct the panel discussion with teen filmmakers Tatyana Zavala, Samantha Filer, Miguel Aguayo, Pria Jackson and Valeria Ojeda. The event is free and open to the public.

Atlantis 2: The Sequel

New Mexico PBS’ Community Cinema series returns to the KiMo Theatre on Wednesday, April 24, for another sneak preview of a social issue-oriented documentary from the Emmy-winning PBS series “Independent Lens.” This month’s screening is The Island President by Jon Shenk, Bonni Cohen and Richard Berge. The film focuses on Maldives President Mohomed Nasheed, who’s confronting a problem most world leaders can’t imagine. The Maldives is the most low-lying country in the world. Thanks to global warming and rising sea levels, this Indian Ocean island nation is in danger of literally disappearing beneath the waves. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., film starts at 7. An interactive discussion will follow the screening. Admission is free.

Movie Meet Up

Friends of Film, Video and Arts is hosting a film networking event on Sunday, April 21, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This will include a meet-and-greet and screening/discussion of shorts. If you’re working in the New Mexico film scene, be it professional or independent, these FoFVA events are a great way to hook up with other like-minded filmmakers. If you’ve got a short film you’d like to screen, this is the place to share it. It’s free to Friends of Film, Video and Arts members. All others are kindly asked to contribute a small donation or potluck item. It all unspools at Reel to Reel Productions (428 Louisiana SE, Suite A1). For more info on the organization, go to filmvideoarts.org.

Light It Up

You’ve got not one, but two chances to see James Blackburn’s smoke-filled slapstick comedy The 420 Movie this coming Saturday (4/20, don’t you know). The first will be a celebration of the 1-year anniversary of the official Fans of Film release. This will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fans of Film Cafe (504 Yale SE). Tickets are $3 and include popcorn and soda or coffee with admission. Only 30 tickets are available, so snap ’em up quick. If, for some strange reason, you forget about the 6:30 show, you’ve got another opportunity at 10:30 p.m. to catch it at Guild Cinema. Tickets are $5 there and director James Blackburn will be on hand releasing a brand new version of the film on DVD with behind-the-scenes and a music video. He’ll also participate in a Q&A after the screening. You can scope out a trailer at the420movie.net.